I want to get to a future
where we'll worry more about
patching cracks in the drywall
than the collapsing of foundations,
where our neighbors don't leave
their houses for work with the fear
they might not be able to return.
I want to get to a future
where disagreement is just a sign
that there are many interesting paths
to the same clearing, but each of us
could still find the road, giving
friendly recommendations for snack
and dimsum stops along the way.
I want to know there's someone
who'll agree to come fix the broken
gate or help cut the grass, in the same
way I'll gladly pick up groceries or send
a package for them in the mail. Aren't there
those who have willingly and without question
donated a kidney to save someone in need?
When we arrive at that future,
I want it to be a place where apology walks
hand in hand with repair of the splintered,
with return of what was taken by force. Under
that sky, perhaps we'll finally understand
how to write history without muzzling
the tribunes and chroniclers in our midst.